Mecom Fountain

Sitting literally at the intersection of Main and Montrose (with a couple other roads shooting off the roundabout as well), Mecom fountain is figuratively the crossroads connecting Hermann Park, the Museum District, Rice University, the Medical Center, which rises a couple blocks south, and the old-growth luxury of Broadacres. Mecom has been the site of quinceñeras posing for photos as well as anti-war students protesting; its fountains have been hit by bubble-bath-wielding pranksters and light-bulb thieves. After a $100,000 renovation completed in 2008, the fountain looks as lovely as ever, a little slice of La  Dolce Vita in a chaotic world.